Obituary of Leona E. Stroup

Leona E. Stroup was a resident of Vancouver, Washington until her death, she passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. She was born on July 6, 1945 in Vancouver, Washington to Leo and Eleanor Malek, joining her big sister Elaine. She grew up in Camas, WA, participated in 4-H, was a tap dancer. She graduated from Camas High School in 1963. She moved to Vancouver, WA, married and had two children Julie and Anthony. Although that marriage was not meant to be, she married James Stroup in 1973 and they would have celebrated their 43rd Anniversary in June of this year. She began working at the Evergreen School District to be on the same schedule as her children and that led to her career as a Library Media Assistant/Specialist. Leona loved her job and saw many changes throughout the years and made lasting friendships. She retired from Heritage High School in 2008. Leona was a creative soul and enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. She also channeled that creativity into her second career when she became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Her annual Holiday Open House party was greatly anticipated each year and she loved to help people find the right products for their needs. Leona enjoyed helping people and would lend a hand whenever needed. Sometimes that included giving them room in her house if that was what was needed. She valued her friends, they were her extended family. She loved going to the beach, visiting her children, traveling, watching movies, working on house projects with her friend, getting together with her ‘old friends’ group monthly and working on her creative writing. She is survived by her husband Jim, her daughter Julie and spouse Shara, her son Anthony and his wife Melissa, her step-daughters Danita and Alonda, her sister Elaine and her husband Dick and their children David, Lana and Brian and their families, and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at City Harvest Church located at 8100 N.W. 9th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98665.